Dietary supplements are one of the fastest growing segments of the health product market. With their growing popularity, expectations regarding their safety are also growing, both among consumers and regulatory authorities. One of the key areas of control is microbiological safety, which affects not only the quality but also the health of people who use supplements.
At J.S. Hamilton, we regularly support manufacturers in risk assessment and microbiological testing of supplements, helping them to meet legal requirements and maintain a high standard of safety for their products.
Why is microbiology important in supplements?
Dietary supplements – especially those based on plant, fermented, or natural raw materials – can be exposed to microbiological contamination at every stage of the process:
- during harvesting and storage of raw materials,
- during transport and packaging,
- during production,
- during storage of the finished product.
Contamination can include pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or microorganisms that affect product stability.
Which microorganisms are most commonly tested for?
The most important microbiological parameters in dietary supplements include:
- Salmonella spp.
Their presence is must be fully prevented. Salmonella contamination of raw materials is one of the most serious health risks.
- Escherichia coli
Indicates fecal contamination and poor hygiene conditions.
- Staphylococcus aureus
A bacterium capable of producing toxins that can cause food poisoning.
- Molds and yeasts
Particularly important in plant and probiotic supplements — their excess affects the stability and shelf life of the product.
- Total aerobic microorganisms (TAMC/TYMC)
A parameter indicating the overall microbiological quality of the preparation.
Legal requirements and quality standards
Although dietary supplements are not high-risk foods, they are subject to detailed regulations regarding microbiological purity. Manufacturers should base their practices on:
- European Commission guidelines,
- pharmacopeial specifications (e.g., Ph. Eur. monographs),
- their own risk analyses,
- documentation from raw material suppliers.
Regular microbiological testing is not only a legal requirement, but above all an element of responsibility for consumer safety.
How does J.S. Hamilton test the microbiology of supplements?
In our laboratories, we perform a full range of microbiological tests in accordance with current market requirements and regulations. We use methods that are:
- accredited,
- validated for the specific nature of supplements,
- compliant with ISO, the European Pharmacopoeia, and EU guidelines.
This provides manufacturers with reliable and unambiguous results that support supplier verification processes, the introduction of new formulas, and production batch control.
What advantage does microbiological control bring to the manufacturer?
- greater product safety and stability,
- protection against complaints and recalls,
- compliance with inspection requirements,
- support in the development of quality systems,
- better control of plant and fermented raw materials.
The microbiological safety of dietary supplements is fundamental to their quality. A properly planned testing program – based on risk analysis and regular inspections—enables manufacturers to supply the market with safe, stable products that comply with legal requirements.
If you need comprehensive support in microbiological testing of dietary supplements, J.S. Hamilton laboratories are at your disposal.